Monday, November 1, 2010

Gay rights charity Stonewall has launched its own version of the US It Gets Better YouTube campaign for bullied gay teenagers.

‘It Gets Better Today’ has attracted several high-profile supporters, including Diane Abbott MP and BBC newsreader Jane Hill. Both are set to film their own clips to encourage youths.

The American campaign, started by gay journalist Dan Savage, saw President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton film messages of support after a spate of gay teen suicides.

According to a press release, Stonewall’s campaign tells young people that they do not have to wait for their lives to improve because the UK already has civil partnerships, out gay soldiers and parental rights for gay people, unlike the US. In addition, the charity says, the government is committed to tackling homophobic bullying,

Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall, said: “At Stonewall we now work with hundreds of schools and employers who are making sure things do get better for gay people, right away. Working together, we can make it happen.”

Lesbian author Sarah Waters, who is also supporting the campaign, said: “If you’re experiencing homophobic bullying, Stonewall can help you. Schools across the country now have their ‘Some people are gay. Get over it!’ posters and a range of Stonewall materials to help them tackle the issue head-on.

“So teachers have no more excuses for tolerating homophobic bullying, and schools no longer have to be scary places for lesbian, gay and bisexual young people. Things are getting better – right now.”